Impact Data Recorder (IDR)

If you have any questions or need support regarding the implementation of the Impact Data Recorder, please contact our team at [email protected].

The FIA Impact Data Recorder (IDR) is a small, lightweight device fitted to your competition vehicle that records data when an impact occurs. It is designed by the FIA to improve safety across all levels of motorsport and is suitable for grassroots through to national competition.

Weight: 20g
Dimensions: 60mm x 45mm x 14.5mm
Material: Protective smart polymer
Unit life span: 2 years

The IDR enables detailed crash data collection at all levels of our sport. This helps to improve safety standards, provides a better understanding of incidents, and supports evidence-based decisions on circuits, cars and safety equipment.

The IDR automatically records high-G impacts during an incident. It logs impact forces, captures multiple impacts, and stores data internally. Each device can record up to 80 incidents and operate for around 2 years without maintenance. It is always active and requires no input from the competitor.

The IDR is a small unit attached using an adhesive pad. It requires no wiring, charging or connection to the vehicle. This ‘fit and forget’ approach ensures minimal burden on competitors. Devices must be installed in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

When a vehicle with an IDR installed is involved in an accident, the impact data can be downloaded by an event official by scanning the unique QR code found on the front of the IDR to download the impact data.

Officials can then add supplementary information to the accident report such as photos, notes and medical information before submitting the report to Motorsport UK. Motorsport receives the accident report and analyses the data to identify any trends or safety hazards.

After an incident, officials can scan the device using the FIA IDR app to download impact data from the vehicle. This information is then analysed to help improve safety across the sport by providing a better understanding of how incidents occur and how safety systems perform in real-world conditions. For example, the data may help identify when components such as seats or harnesses could have sustained damage, highlight areas where safety equipment or vehicle design may need improving, and provide valuable information to support broader risk analysis within motorsport and insurance sectors.

Purchase your IDR from Impact Detect. Once received, simply make sure your IDR is fitted correctly to your vehicle and that the ‘IDR Inside’ sticker is clearly visible. If you’re involved in an incident, please allow officials to access the device so they can collect the data. Other than that, there’s nothing you need to do as the IDR will work automatically in the background.

1. Identify a suitable area to affix your IDR; we suggest on the floor and as close to the centre of the cockpit as possible, such as under the seat in a formula car, or the transmission tunnel in a touring car.
2. Clean and degrease the chosen area to fit your IDR using a solvent degreasing solution or similar. Then remove the backing from the adhesive pad on the rear of the IDR and affix it to the chassis. Ensure that the tip of the IDR’s arrow-shaped body is facing directly towards the front of the car.
3. Once your IDR is fitted, download the FIA IDR App on the App Store or Google Play. Once downloaded, select ‘Activate IDR’ in-app, enter your email address and scan the IDR’s unique QR code using your phone’s camera to activate it.
4. You will receive a notification when activation has been successful. You are now ready to use the FIA IDR App to monitor impact data, review reports, and enhance safety tracking.

The FIA IDR is available at a reduced cost of £38.40 (£32.00 excluding VAT), with Motorsport UK receiving no revenue from the device. Competitors with multiple vehicles must fit an IDR to each vehicle, and a future part-exchange and recycling programme is planned to support long-term use and sustainability.

Those competitors who have competed internationally and may already have an IDR fitted, can check the date their device is valid to in the Impact Detect app. If you have any queries, please contact [email protected].

The Impact Data Recorder will provide valuable data to support the ongoing inspection and review of safety equipment. However, there are currently no changes to the lifespan requirements already published within the National Competition Rules.

The Impact Date Recorder incorporates a self-contained battery within the sealed unit. To keep the device as compact and cost-effective as possible, the battery is designed to provide a minimum service life of two years. A recycling programme will also be available, offering a discount on the purchase of a replacement device when an expired unit is returned.

The IDR does not contain GPS tracking technology and does not track your vehicle’s location.

Officials can download the recorded information by scanning the QR code on the device following an incident. The data can be accessed by Motorsport UK’s Safety and Technical Teams for further analysis.

The IDR uses a refined accelerometer capable of measuring and analysing impact forces over a greater range and with greater precision than existing solutions.

It has also been specifically designed to make it easier for officials to collect and transfer incident data to a central database for analysis.

Integrating this functionality with other devices would add significant complexity and make it more difficult to consistently capture and interpret data across the sport.

Collecting data from the IDR will help build a comprehensive understanding of the frequency and severity of incidents. This will allow us to make evidence-based decisions that support future risk management strategies and reviews of regulations.

The information collected can also provide valuable insights to help medical personnel assess an occupant’s condition and decide on the most appropriate response following an impact.

Each vehicle must have an IDR correctly fitted, activated and in working condition when presented for scrutineering.

If you compete in more than one vehicle, you must ensure that each has an IDR installed before presenting your vehicle for scrutineering.

All feedback received during the consultation process was carefully considered by the relevant committees and the Executive. This input played an important role in informing the decision to introduce the IDR and helped refine the supporting information, guidance, and implementation plans associated with its rollout.

View the Impact Detect fitting guides below:

• Competitor Guide
• Car Fitting Guide
• Kart Fitting Guide

Competitors are responsible for ensuring their IDR is correctly installed and activated prior to competition.

Scrutineers may verify the device’s location and installation, as well as confirm that it is present and functioning correctly in accordance with the regulations.

The adhesive mounting method for the IDR is fully compliant with the National Competition Rule requirements for an approved IDR device. Scrutineers may verify the device’s location and installation, as well as confirm that it is present and functioning correctly in accordance with the regulations.

If you are competing outside Motorsport UK jurisdiction, you should check with the event organiser or the relevant ASN to confirm whether an IDR is required for that event.

From 1 January 2027, an IDR is required for Race, Stage Rally and Rallycross competition under Motorsport UK jurisdiction.

There is no difference between the FIA and Motorsport UK IDRs. However, Motorsport UK units are available at a subsidised price for UK competitors. We recommend purchasing a Motorsport UK unit to ensure you benefit from the discounted price.

Yes, a smartphone is needed to activate your IDR. However, if you do not own a smartphone, you can use any compatible device to complete the activation.

When activating your IDR, entering your email address will ensure you receive important updates about your device, including notifications when it needs replacing.

Teams are limited to a maximum of 10 units per transaction. If you need more, please contact Impact Detect directly at [email protected].

From 1st January 2027, an IDR is required for Race, Stage Rally and Rallycross competition under Motorsport UK jurisdiction. There are no Historic or Period Exemptions.

Motorsport UK units are available at a subsidised price for UK competitors. We recommend purchasing a Motorsport UK unit to ensure you benefit from the discounted price.

Yes. Fit the IDR to a solid part of the vehicle’s body structure, as close to the centre of the cockpit as possible. A transmission tunnel is not required. If the body structure is wood, the IDR can be fitted directly to it.

Clean and degrease the mounting area using a product suitable for the surface, then secure the IDR using its adhesive pad. Ensure the tip of the arrow-shaped body points directly towards the front of the car.

Teams are limited to a maximum of 10 units per transaction. If you need more, or do not have an Entrants Licence, please contact Impact Detect directly at [email protected].

An IDR report will be downloaded after any incident that requires the vehicle to be re-presented for scrutineering before continuing in competition, under NCR Chapter 7, Appendix 12, Article 1.5, or where the Event Stewards request a post-incident scrutineering report.